📋 Key Rules
Orange County is the heart of the Orlando metro. The Florida Building Code under-6-foot exemption applies in unincorporated Orange County outside flood zones. The City of Orlando has its own, slightly stricter rules. Orange County Building Division administers permits for the large unincorporated areas south, west, and east of Orlando proper.
Permit Thresholds — Orlando Area
| City / Jurisdiction | Backyard Threshold | Front Yard | Fee | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Orlando | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft — variance required above this | $53 minimum | (407) 246-2271 |
| Unincorporated Orange County | Over 6 ft (under 6 ft exempt) | Over 4 ft | $53 minimum | (407) 836-5550 |
| Kissimmee (Osceola Co.) | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$80 | (407) 518-2300 |
| Winter Garden | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $45–$75 | (407) 656-4111 |
| Oviedo (Seminole Co.) | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$80 | (407) 971-5660 |
| Lake Nona area (unincorporated OC) | Over 6 ft (under 6 ft exempt if no flood zone) | Over 4 ft | $53 minimum | (407) 836-5550 |
| Any SFHA flood zone property | Any height — always requires permit | Always | $53 + floodplain | (407) 836-5550 |
Key Rules for Orange County Fl
Lake Nona is one of Florida's fastest-growing master-planned communities and has extensive HOA coverage. Many Lake Nona HOAs specify aluminum as the only approved fence material. Check your flood zone at msc.fema.gov — portions of Orange County near the Butler Chain of Lakes, Boggy Creek, and other waterways fall within flood hazard areas. Pool barriers always require a separate permit (FBC §454).
How to Apply
- Identify your jurisdiction — Confirm whether your address falls under city, county, or township rules. Use your county's online parcel viewer.
- Get HOA approval first — If you're in an HOA, obtain written architectural approval before applying for any government permit.
- Prepare documents — Completed application, site plan with setback measurements, property survey or plat, HOA approval letter.
- Submit and pay — Orange County Building: (407) 836-5550. Fee: $53 minimum for most unincorporated OC permits.
- Build and inspect — Post permit at job site. Schedule final inspection after fence is complete.
Setback Rules
Standard residential setbacks in Florida allow fences at the rear and side property lines (0 ft setback) in most residential zones. Front yard fences must sit behind the right-of-way line — not at the curb or sidewalk. Corner lots face sight triangle restrictions at intersections. Use our Setback Calculator for estimates, or confirm with your building department.
HOA Rules in the Orlando Area
The Orlando metro has significant HOA coverage in newer suburban developments. HOA approval and a building permit are separate requirements — get written HOA approval first, then apply for the permit. See our HOA Rules guides for homeowner protections in Florida. Use our HOA Dispute Decision Tree if you’ve received a denial.
Free: Fence Permit Application Checklist
Every document and step for your permit application in the Orlando area.
⬇ Download Free PDFFrequently Asked Questions
Standard residential fence permits typically take 3–10 business days in most Orlando area jurisdictions. Applications in flood zones or requiring variance consideration take 3–6 weeks. Always apply before ordering materials or scheduling your contractor.
Yes, if both apply. They are entirely separate processes. Get written HOA approval first, then apply for the building permit. One does not substitute for the other.
In most Florida jurisdictions, homeowners may pull their own building permits for work on their primary residence. You do not need a licensed contractor to obtain the permit, though any contractor doing the work must be licensed to operate in that city or county. Confirm with your specific building department.